A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Da Nang vs. Koyasan for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Da Nang or Koyasan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Da Nang or Koyasan? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Da Nang

Da Nang is a authentic, coastal, and accessible city. And you can't forget about the beaches, museums, and nightlife. See Da Nang travel costs.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a spiritual, traditional, and peaceful town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Koyasan is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food. See Koyasan travel costs.

Da Nang and Koyasan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Koyasan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koyasan than Da Nang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koyasan is better known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Da Nang is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Koyasan is more touristy than Da Nang and is known for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Also, Koyasan is famous for Kongobu-ji Head Temple. Da Nang is well known for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Da Nang different from Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Koyasan and Da Nang. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Da Nang or Koyasan?

Koyasan is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Koyasan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Da Nang. Some people use this city as a base for exploring other nearby towns. While it has some interesting sights, there aren't nearly as much history as in the surrounding area. The Golden Bridge Hands has become a popular tourist attraction and the nearby Marble Mountains are also a highlight. You can also check out the Museum of Cham Sculpture.

Is the Food Better in Da Nang or Koyasan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Da Nang is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Da Nang. The city's local cuisine is authentic and traditional. There are many local dishes to try such as Mi Quang (rice noodles and chicken), Bun Cha Ca (rice noodles and fish cakes), and Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo (pork belly wrapped in rice paper).

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Da Nang or Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Da Nang is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Da Nang know how to have a good time. There are rooftop cafes, lounges, and local bars that are cheap and stay open late. You'll find a good number of places along Bach Dang Street, which turns into a walking street at 7 pm.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Da Nang or Koyasan Better for Resorts?

Da Nang is a great destination for its resorts. However, Koyasan is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Da Nang to choose from. The city has a good number of luxury, international brand hotels that are along the beaches.

Koyasan is not a resort destination.

Is Da Nang or Koyasan Better for Beaches?

Da Nang is a good destination for the beach. However, Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Da Nang offers a nice beach destination. There are beaches within a 10 minute drive of the city, which can get crowded on weekends and holidays. If you want a more peaceful experience, you'll need to go to Son Tra Peninsula, which is where you'll find most of the luxury resorts.

Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Is Da Nang or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is a well-known place for its old town. However, Da Nang does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Da Nang does not have a historic old town.

Is Da Nang or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

Koyasan is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Koyasan is a good destination for hiking. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Da Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Koyasan?

Da Nang is a city with a few options for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Da Nang has some nice offerings. There are some shopping malls and local shops that make for interesting shopping experiences, but nothing compared to some of the more popular cities.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Da Nang or Koyasan More Beautiful?

Koyasan is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Da Nang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koyasan is a beautiful place to visit, too. The town is quaint and filled with history and spirituality.

Da Nang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Da Nang or Koyasan Better for Families?

Da Nang is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Da Nang is a very kid-friendly city. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities in the area. Amusement parks like Asia Park Da Nang and nearby Ba Na Hills Fantasy Park are fun for everyone. There are also beaches and beachfront resorts that aren't far from town.

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Da Nang or Koyasan Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Da Nang and Koyasan make for a superb place to visit.

Da Nang is a very popular place to visit for couples. The surrounding area has luxury resorts and nice beaches that make for a romantic getaway.

Koyasan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

Is Da Nang or Koyasan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Da Nang and Koyasan are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Da Nang. It's often skipped by backpackers and other tourists, but those who hang out for a day or two will appreciate an authentic city with genuine Vietnamese culture.

Koyasan is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

Is Da Nang or Koyasan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Da Nang and Koyasan offer notable public transit options.

Da Nang has a few public transit options. There are 14 bus routes in the city.

Koyasan has some public transit options. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

Is Da Nang or Koyasan a more walkable city?

Koyasan is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Koyasan is a very walkable town. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

Da Nang is not a very walkable city. The city is very spread out and very difficult to explore on foot. There are some beachfront promenades that are pedestrian-friendly, but most of the city is not.

For even more information, also check out Is Da Nang Worth Visiting? and Is Koyasan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Koyasan?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Da Nang or Koyasan to fill your time. In our opinion, Da Nang has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Da Nang than Koyasan. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Da Nang than Koyasan. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Da Nang, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Da Nang than Koyasan. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Da Nang that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Da Nang or Koyasan?

In Da Nang, you'll find museums and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Koyasan is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Da Nang or Koyasan?

In Da Nang, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Da Nang has to offer.

Koyasan might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koyasan has to offer.

Five days in Da Nang or Koyasan?

Da Nang is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Koyasan is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Da Nang or Koyasan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Da Nang. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Da Nang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koyasan. Since Koyasan is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Hanoi, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Da Nang and Koyasan, we can see that Koyasan is more expensive. And not only is Da Nang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Da Nang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Da Nang and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Koyasan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koyasan than you might in Da Nang.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Da Nang Expensive? and Is Koyasan Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Da Nang or Koyasan?

Koyasan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Da Nang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Da Nang or Koyasan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Koyasan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Da Nang is around the same temperature as Koyasan in the summer. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Koyasan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Da Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Da Nang usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during summer. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer. January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. Also, August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang.

Should I visit Da Nang or Koyasan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Koyasan. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.

In the autumn, Da Nang is a little warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Da Nang in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Koyasan averages at about 19°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Da Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koyasan. Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Da Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Da Nang usually gets more rain in October than Koyasan. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year. August to December in Da Nang is the rainy season.

Should I visit Da Nang or Koyasan in the Winter?

Both Koyasan and Da Nang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Da Nang throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Koyasan for the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Da Nang is generally much warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 22°C (71°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Da Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koyasan during winter. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Da Nang. In January, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Da Nang is January to July.

Should I visit Da Nang or Koyasan in the Spring?

Both Koyasan and Da Nang during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Da Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Koyasan in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Da Nang is much warmer than Koyasan in the spring. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Koyasan fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Da Nang. In the spring, Da Nang often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Da Nang usually gets less rain in April than Koyasan. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Da Nang